Illegal Crypto Mining in Iran Consumes 3,750 Megawatts; More Than 13,000 Unlicensed Farms Identified

According to Boursenews, published Friday, 13 Shahrivar 1405 (September 4, 2026), more than 13,000 unlicensed cryptocurrency mining farms have been identified in Iran, with power consumption reaching about 3,750 megawatts, equal to the electricity use of four Iranian provinces and about 8 percent of residential power consumption. Per the report, illegal crypto mining costs the country close to 2.5 billion dollars a year, and authorities have so far identified and seized more than 300,000 unlicensed mining rigs or units operating during restricted hours, with estimated consumption of about 1,300 megawatts.

Boursenews writes that more than 70 percent of the discovered farms were located in residential areas, and state utility company Tavanir said identified violators, including illegal miners, will be barred from energy subsidies for one year and billed for their electricity use at the unsubsidized free market rate. According to the report, citizen reports of abnormal power use, equipment noise and voltage drops have played an effective role in identifying these facilities.